So Lonely | The Ink Well Fiction Prompt #162

Joe washed all his old clothes, all the ones he had forgotten under his portmanteau. As a divorcee who is entering retirement from the railway corporation and all his children settled down in their marriages, there is no better idea than to return to his cradle, the village of Umuaka, where he built his first house and started life as a child.
In a few day's time, he will be celebrated by the corporation, having served for thirty-five years.

The following week was going to be eventful for him. Usually, awards of different kinds are meant to be issued if he had worked very well for the corporation.

One of his strategies was to sell off some of his belongings as he prepared to start another phase of life. All these were in his mind. He planned to relocate to Umuaka two weeks after the retirement celebration. His house in the village has been renovated, good enough to house an old folk like him.

On the day of his retirement party, his children appeared from the moon. Joe was so shocked. It was a laudable celebration as the corporation awarded him the most punctual staff. The award came with a cheque of a thousand dollars. The permanent secretary of the corporation graced the occasion to represent the minister. In her speech, it was made clear that Joe had done his bit to move the corporation forward and now is the time for him to reap the reward for his labour.

Dear colleagues, family, friends and well wishes, Mr Joe was a partner in progress. He deserves all the accolades of the day and even more. On behalf of the entire management and staff of the Railway Corporation, I present this merit award for selfless service to Mr Joe while I wish him a healthy and peaceful retirement.

Gustavo Fring

As Joe stepped out to get the award, the people gave a standing ovation with applause. Joyfully, he got the award and took a bow. The corporation added a deepfreezer as part of the gifts they gave to Joe.
The whole ceremony ended after about two hours. As the vote of thanks was to be taken, Joe's eldest son, Mark ran out to the master of ceremony as asked for a moment.

Daddy, you are an amazing father. My siblings and I are glad to have you as our father. We want to appreciate you for all that you have done for us. Please, we would like to show you something outside the hall.

Everyone in the hall followed as they moved outside. It was going to be a surprise for Mr Joe.

Mark led as the permanent secretary walked side by side with Mr. Joe. Kindly accept this dad. Mark opened a covered SUV for everyone to see and handed over the keep to Mr Joe. Everyone clapped their hands. The ceremony came to an end as Mr Joe gave the vote of thanks and then entered into the driver's seat of the SUV.

A week later, Joe relocated to his village, Umuaka. His retirement life has just begun. He wasn't in a rush at all. Every morning, he would lay in bed till around 8:00 AM. Life in the village was very quiet unlike in the city. Soon, he began to feel bored about everything.

Mark, I'd need you all to come to the village as soon as possible.

Joe had called his eldest son, asking him to inform all his siblings to come to the village as he had a special announcement to make to all of them.

Quickly, they all arrived at the village that weekend. It was six months after his retirement. First, they were anxious and curious to know what the emergency call was all about. Early in the morning, Joe called all the boys to the living room and broke the news to them:

I want to take a new wife. Life here in the village is becoming too boring.

Everyone was wowed by his seriousness. Their mom had passed away in her sleep eighteen years ago. And ever since, Joe had remained a widower.

Everyone kept quiet except Joshua who spoke up and said:

Dad, it's a long wait. I support you all the way. We live once. Just let us know when you are making the move so we can know our step-mother.

Joe was silent for a while before saying:

Thanks Josh for the support. I hope you have spoken the minds of your brothers?

They all smiled. Joe rose from his sit to hug his children warmly for supporting him.